Artist Statement

Donna is a realist charcoal artist portraying the essence of rural life. Charcoal drawing has enabled her to find a voice with which to express her love for rural life.

Biography

Donna grew up in Alderley, Brisbane. She enjoyed art at school and discovered a love of drawing, but it wasn’t until years later when she and her family moved to a property near Surat that she got the opportunity to explore her talent further. Joining a local art group lead by Kathy Ellem, she took to charcoal drawing on canvas like a duck to water, finding a new joy in a passion that had been kept on the back burner for years. Unfortunately life stepped in the way again, the little group at Surat disbanded and Donna was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. It was drawing that helped to keep her mind clear and take her to another happier place. During the treatment Donna eventually had a joint exhibition with Kathy Ellem in 2019 at Surat on Balonne Gallery, Surat. It was one of her career highlights.

Influences

Kathy Ellem Betty Searle Catherine Clark Dowden Mark Coombe David John

Awards

Bell Art Exhibition- Riding Free Highly Commended 2021 Cattlework 2nd place 2022 Along for the Ride Highly commended 2022 Roma Easter Show- 2020 1st place Yester years The Doyle’s Art- Bare Necessities 2023 Downlands people choice 2023

Exhibitions

Surat on Balonne Gallery, Surat 2019